Cosmetic compositions comprising a structuring agent, silicone powder and swelling agent

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compositions that include a structuring agent, a silicone powder and a swelling agent, other compositions further including a liquid fatty phase, methods of making the compositions, and their use on keratin material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many cosmetic compositions, including pigmented cosmetics such as foundations, concealers, lipsticks, mascaras, and other cosmetic and sunscreen compositions, have been developed for comfortable application and wear. However many of these compositions are difficult to apply and do not have a smooth feel upon application. Furthermore, compositions may have a tendency to be tacky, resulting in poor application and spreadability characteristics.

There is still a need, therefore, for improved longwearing cosmetic compositions with cushiony, soft and silky feel upon application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition, comprising: a structuring agent comprising a polymer skeleton having a hydrocarbon-based repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom; a liquid fatty phase; a silicone elastomer powder comprising a silicone elastomer core coated with a silicone resin; and a swelling agent for said powder.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a composition useful in the preparation of a cosmetic, comprising: a structuring agent comprising a polymer skeleton comprising a hydrocarbon-based repeating unit containing at least one hetero atom, and a silicone elastomer powder comprising a silicone elastomer core coated with a silicone resin. Methods of making the compositions covered by these aspects of the present invention are also provided.

A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for care, make-up or treatment of a keratin material, comprising applying to the keratin material a composition comprising a structuring agent comprising a polymer skeleton having a hydrocarbon-based repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom; a liquid fatty phase; a silicone elastomer powder comprising a silicone elastomer core coated with a silicone resin; and a swelling agent for the powder.

In preferred embodiments of each of these aspects of the present invention, the structural agent comprises a polyamide bonded to a fatty chain via an ester group, the swelling agent comprises a dimethicone, and the silicone elastomer core comprises a polyorganosilsesquioxane which may contain pendant functionalized groups such as fluoroalkyl or phenyl groups.

The compositions of the present invention may take a variety of forms of purposes of finished products. For example, the compositions may take any number of forms, including a paste, a gel (e.g., a solid, rigid or supple gel, including an anhydrous gel such as a translucent anhydrous gel or a transparent anhydrous gel), a cream, an emulsion (an aqueous or anhydrous emulsion), a solid (e.g., a molded composition or cast as a stick (e.g., a poured or molded stick), a compact, a dish, or a powder (e.g., a loose, compact or pressed powder). In addition, while compositions of the invention are described in terms of being cosmetic compositions, to the extent that they are intended to be applied to skin, they may also be considered as dermatological compositions, particularly if they contain a drug or other active agent considered to treat or benefit skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Structuring Polymer

The at least one structuring agent in the compositions of the present invention are solids that are not deformable at room temperature (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). The structuring agent contributes to the overall structure of the composition. In some embodiments, the agent does not make the compositions opaque. As defined above, the at least one structuring polymer of the present invention comprises a polymer skeleton comprising at least one hydrocarbon-based repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom. In one embodiment, the at least one structuring polymer further comprises at least one terminal fatty chain chosen from alkyl and alkenyl chains, such as of at least 4 atoms, and further such as comprising 8 to 120 carbon atoms, bonded to the polymer skeleton via at least one linking group. The terminal fatty chain may be functionalized. The at least one structuring polymer may also further comprise at least one pendant fatty chain chosen from alkyl and alkenyl chains, such as of at least 4 atoms, and further such as comprising 8 to 120 carbon atoms, bonded to any carbon or hetero atom of the polymer skeleton via at least one linking group. The pendant fatty chain may, for example, be functionalized. The at least one structuring polymer may comprise both at least one pendant fatty chain and at least one terminal fatty chain as defined above, and one or both types of chains can be functionalized.

In one embodiment, the structuring polymer comprises at least two hydrocarbon-based repeating units. As a further example, the structuring polymer comprises at least three hydrocarbon-based repeating units and as an even further example, the at least three repeating units are identical.

As used herein, “functionalized” means comprising at least one functional group. Non-limiting examples of functional groups include hydroxyl groups, ether groups, oxyalkylene groups, polyoxyalkylene groups, carboxylic acid groups, amine groups, amide groups, halogen containing groups, including fluoro and perfluoro groups, halogen atoms, ester groups, siloxane groups and polysiloxane groups.

For purposes of the invention, the expression “functionalized chain” means, for example, an alkyl chain comprising at least one functional (reactive) group chosen, for example, from those recited above. For example, in one embodiment, the hydrogen atoms of at least one alkyl chain may be substituted at least partially with fluorine atoms.

According to the invention, these chains may be linked directly to the polymer skeleton or via an ester function or a perfluoro group.

For the purposes of the invention, the term “polymer” means a compound containing at least 2 repeating units, such as, for example, a compound containing at least 3 repeating units, which may be identical.

As used herein, the expression “hydrocarbon-based repeating unit” includes a repeating unit comprising from 2 to 80 carbon atoms, such as, for example, from 2 to 60 carbon atoms. The at least one hydrocarbon-based repeating unit may also comprise oxygen atoms. The hydrocarbon-based repeating unit may be chosen from saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon-based repeating units which in turn may be chosen from linear hydrocarbon-based repeating units, branched hydrocarbon-based repeating units and cyclic hydrocarbon-based repeating units. The at least one hydrocarbon-based repeating unit may comprise, for example, at least one hetero atom that is part of the polymer skeleton, i.e., not pendant. The at least one hetero atom may be chosen, for example, from nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus. For example, the at least one hetero atom may be a nitrogen atom, such as a non-pendant nitrogen atom. In another embodiment, the at least one hydrocarbon-based repeating unit may comprise at least one hetero atom with the proviso that the at least one hetero atom is not nitrogen. In another embodiment, the at least one hetero atom is combined with at least one atom chosen from oxygen and carbon to form a hetero atom group. In one embodiment, the hetero atom group comprises a carbonyl group.

The at least one repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom may be chosen, for example, from amide groups, carbamate groups, and urea groups. In one embodiment, the at least one repeating unit comprises amide groups forming a polyamide skeleton. In another embodiment, the at least one repeating unit comprises carbamate groups and/or urea groups forming a polyurethane skeleton, a polyurea skeleton and/or a polyurethane-polyurea skeleton. The pendant chains, for example, can be linked directly to at least one of the hetero atoms of the polymer skeleton. In yet another embodiment, the at least one hydrocarbon-based repeating unit may comprise at least one hetero atom group with the proviso that the at least one hetero atom group is not an amide group. In one embodiment, the polymer skeleton comprises at least one repeating unit chosen from silicone units and oxyalkylene units, the at least one repeating unit being between the hydrocarbon-based repeating units.

In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention comprise at least one structuring polymer with nitrogen atoms, such as amide, urea, or carbamate units, such as amide units, and at least one polar oil.

In one embodiment, in the at least one structuring polymer, the percentage of the total number of fatty chains ranges from 40% to 98% relative to the total number of repeating units and fatty chains, and as a further example, from 50% to 95%. In a further embodiment wherein the polymer skeleton is a polyamide skeleton, in the at least one structuring polymer, the percentage of the total number of fatty chains ranges from 40% to 98% relative to the total number of all amide units and fatty chains, and as a further example, from 50% to 95%.

In a further embodiment, the nature and proportion of the at least one hydrocarbon-based repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom depend on the nature of a liquid fatty phase of the composition and are, for example, similar to the nature of the fatty phase. For example, not to be limited as to theory, the more polar the hydrocarbon-based repeating units containing a hetero atom, and in high proportion, which corresponds to the presence of several hetero atoms, the greater the affinity of the at least one structuring polymer to polar oils. Conversely, the more non-polar, or even apolar, and lesser in proportion the hydrocarbon-based repeating units containing a hetero atom, the greater the affinity of the polymer for apolar oils. In another embodiment, the invention is drawn to a structured composition containing at least one liquid fatty phase structured with at least one structuring polymer, wherein the at least one structuring polymer is a polyamide comprising a polymer skeleton comprising at least one amide repeating unit and optionally at least one pendant fatty chain and/or at least one terminal chain that are optionally functionalized and comprise from 8 to 120 carbon atoms, bonded to at least one of the amide repeating units via at least one linking group. The liquid fatty phase further contains at least one organogellator for gelling the liquid fatty phase. The at least one liquid fatty phase, the at least one structuring polyamide and the at least one organogellator together form a physiologically acceptable medium.

When the structuring polymer has amide-repeating units, the pendant fatty chains may be linked to at least one of the nitrogen atoms in the amide-repeating units.

The structuring polymer, for example the polyamide polymer, may have a weight-average molecular mass of less than 100,000, such as less than 50,000. In another embodiment, the weight-average molecular mass may range from 1000 to 30,000, such as from 2000 to 20,000, further such as from 2000 to 10,000.

As discussed, the at least one structuring polymer may, for example, be chosen from polyamide polymers. A polyamide polymer may comprise, for example, a polymer skeleton that comprises at least one amide-repeating unit, i.e., a polyamide skeleton. In one embodiment, the polyamide skeleton may further comprise at least one terminal fatty chain chosen from alkyl chains, for example, alkyl chains comprising at least four carbon atoms, and alkenyl chains, for example, alkenyl chains comprising at least four carbon atoms, bonded to the at least one polyamide skeleton via at least one linking group, and/or at least one pendant fatty chain chosen from alkyl chains, for example, alkyl chains comprising at least four carbon atoms, and alkenyl chains, for example, alkenyl chains comprising at least four carbon atoms, bonded to the at least one polyamide skeleton via at least one linking group. In one embodiment, the polyamide skeleton may comprise at least one terminal fatty chain chosen from fatty chains comprising 8 to 120 carbon atoms, such as, for example, 12 to 68 carbon atoms, bonded to the at least one polyamide skeleton via at least one linking group and/or at least one pendant fatty chain chosen from fatty chains comprising 8 to 120 carbon atoms, such as, for example, 12 to 68 carbon atoms, bonded to the at least one polyamide skeleton via at least one linking group, such as bonded to any carbon or nitrogen of the polyamide skeleton via the at least one linking group. In one embodiment, the at least one linking group is chosen from single bonds and urea, urethane, thiourea, thiourethane, thioether, thioester, ester, ether and amine groups. For example, the at least one linking group is chosen from ureas, esters, and amines, and as a further example, is chosen from esters and amines. The bond is, for example, an ester bond. In one embodiment, these polymers comprise a fatty chain at each end of the polymer skeleton, such as the polyamide skeleton.

In one embodiment, due to the presence of at least one fatty chain, the polyamide polymers may be readily soluble in oils (i.e., water-immiscible liquid compounds) and thus may give macroscopically homogeneous compositions even with a high content (at least 25%) of the polyamide polymers, unlike certain polymers of the prior art that do not contain such alkyl or alkenyl chains at the end of the polyamide skeleton. As defined herein, a composition is soluble if it has a solubility of greater than 0.01 g per 100 ml of solution at 25° C.

In a further embodiment, the polyamide polymers can be chosen from polymers resulting from at least one polycondensation reaction between at least one acid chosen from dicarboxylic acids comprising at least 32 carbon atoms, such as 32 to 44 carbon atoms, and at least one amine chosen from diamines comprising at least 2 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 36 carbon atoms, and triamines comprising at least 2 carbon atoms, such as from 2 to 36 carbon atoms. The dicarboxylic acids can, for example, be chosen from dimers of at least one fatty acid comprising at least 16 carbon atoms, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. The at least one amine can, for example, be chosen from diamines, such as ethylenediamine, hexylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, phenylenediamine and triamines, such as ethylenetriamine.

The polyamide polymers may also be chosen from polymers comprising at least one terminal carboxylic acid group. The at least one terminal carboxylic acid group can, for example, be esterified with at least one alcohol chosen from monoalcohols comprising at least 4 carbon atoms. For example, the at least one alcohol can be chosen from monoalcohols comprising from 10 to 36 carbon atoms. In a further embodiment, the monoalcohols can comprise from 12 to 24 carbon atoms, such as from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and for example 18 carbon atoms.

In certain embodiments, the at least one structuring polymer in the compositions of the present invention corresponds to the polyamide polymers of formula (I). Due to fatty chain(s), these polymers may be readily soluble in oils and thus lead to compositions that are macroscopically homogeneous even with a high content (at least 25%) of at least one structuring polymer. These polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,657:

in which:

-   -   n is an integer which represents the number of amide units such         that the number of ester groups present in said at least one         polyamide polymer ranges from 10% to 50% of the total number of         all said ester groups and all said amide groups comprised in         said at least one polyamide polymer;     -   R¹, which are identical or different, are each chosen from alkyl         groups comprising at least 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl groups         comprising at least 4 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the alkyl         group comprises from 4 to 24 carbon atoms and the alkenyl group         comprises from 4 to 24 carbon atoms;     -   R², which are identical or different, are each chosen from C₄ to         C₄₂ hydrocarbon-based groups with the proviso that at least 50%         of all R² are chosen from C₃₀ to C₄₂ hydrocarbon-based groups;     -   R³, which are identical or different, are each chosen from         organic groups comprising atoms chosen from carbon atoms,         hydrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms with the proviso         that R³ comprises at least 2 carbon atoms; and     -   R⁴, which are identical or different, are each chosen from         hydrogen atoms, C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl groups and a direct bond to at         least one group chosen from R³ and another R⁴ such that when         said at least one group is chosen from another R⁴, the nitrogen         atom to which both R³ and R⁴ are bonded forms part of a         heterocyclic structure defined in part by R⁴—N—R³, with the         proviso that at least 50% of all R⁴ are chosen from hydrogen         atoms.

In one embodiment, the at least one terminal fatty chain of formula (I) is linked to the last hetero atom, in this case nitrogen, of the polyamide skeleton. In a further embodiment, the terminal chains are functionalized. In another embodiment, the ester groups of formula (I), are linked to the terminal and/or pendant fatty chains, represent from 15% to 40% of the total number of ester and amide groups, such as, for example, from 20% to 35%.

In one embodiment, n may be an integer ranging from 1 to 5, for example, an integer ranging from 3 to 5. In the present invention, R¹, which are identical or different, can, for example, each be chosen from C₁₂ to C₂₂ alkyl groups, such as from C₁₆ to C₂₂ alkyl groups.

In the present invention, R², which are identical or different, can, for example, each be chosen from C₁₀ to C₄₂ alkyl groups. At least 50% of all R², which are identical or different, can, for example, each be chosen from groups comprising from 30 to 42 carbon atoms. At least 75% of all R², which are identical or different, can, for example, each be chosen from groups comprising from 30 to 42 carbon atoms. In the two aforementioned embodiments, the remaining R², which are identical or different, can, for example, each be chosen from C₄ to C₁₉ groups, such as C₄ to C₁₂ groups.

R³, which can be identical or different, can, for example, each be chosen from C₂ to C₃₆ hydrocarbon-based groups and polyoxyalkylene groups. In another example, R³, which can be identical or different, can each be chosen from C₂ to C₁₂ hydrocarbon-based groups. In another embodiment, R⁴, which can be identical or different, can each be chosen from hydrogen atoms. As used herein, hydrocarbon-based groups may be chosen from linear, cyclic and branched, and saturated and unsaturated groups. The hydrocarbon-based groups can be chosen from aliphatic and aromatic groups. In one example, the hydrocarbon-based groups are chosen from aliphatic groups. The alkyl and alkylene groups may be chosen from linear, cyclic and branched, and saturated and unsaturated groups.

In general, the pendant and terminal fatty chains may be chosen from linear, cyclic and branched, and saturated and unsaturated groups. The pendant and terminal fatty chains can be chosen from aliphatic and aromatic groups. In one example, the pendant and terminal fatty chains are chosen from aliphatic groups.

According to the invention, the structuring of the liquid fatty phase is obtained with the aid of at least one structuring polymer, such as the at least one polymer of formula (I). The at least one polyamide polymer of formula (I) may, for example, be in the form of a mixture of polymers, and this mixture may also comprise a compound of formula (I) wherein n is equal to zero, i.e., a diester.

Non-limiting examples of at least one polyamide polymer that may be used in the compositions of the present invention include the commercial products sold by Arizona Chemical under the names Uniclear 80 and Uniclear 100. These are sold, respectively, in the form of an 80% (in terms of active material) gel in a mineral oil and a 100% (in terms of active material) gel. These polymers have a softening point ranging from 88° C. to 94° C., and may be mixtures of copolymers derived from monomers of (i) C₃₆ diacids and (ii) ethylenediamine, and have a weight-average molecular mass of about 6000. Terminal ester groups result from esterification of the remaining acid end groups with at least one alcohol chosen from cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. A mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols is sometimes called cetylstearyl alcohol.

Other non-limiting examples of at least one polyamide polymer that may be used in the composition according to the present invention include polyamide polymers resulting from the condensation of at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and at least one diamine, the carbonyl and amine groups being condensed via an amide bond. Examples of these polyamide polymers are those sold under the brand name Versamid by the companies General Mills Inc. and Henkel Corp. (Versamid 930, 744 or 1655) or by the company Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp. under the brand name Omamid, in particular Omamid S or C. These resins have a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 6000 to 9000. For further information regarding these polyamides, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,645,705 and 3,148,125.

Other examples of polyamides include those sold by the company Arizona Chemicals under the references Uni-Rez (2658, 2931, 2970, 2621, 2613, 2624, 2665, 1554, 2623 and 2662) and the product sold under the reference Macromelt 6212 by the company Henkel. For further information regarding these polyamides, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,209. Such polyamides display high melt viscosity characteristics. MACROMELT 6212, for example, has a high melt viscosity at 190° C. of 30-40 poise (as measured by a Brookfield Viscometer, Model RVF #3 spindle, 20 RPM).

In a further embodiment, the at least one polyamide polymer may be chosen from polyamide resins from vegetable sources. Polyamide resins from vegetable sources may be chosen from, for example, the polyamide resins disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,657 and 5,998,570.

The structuring agent is typically present in the composition in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 80%, such as from about 2% to about 60%, further such as from about 5% to about 40%, and even further from about 5% to about 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The at least one structuring polymer may have a softening point greater than 50° C., such as from 65° C. to 190° C., and further such as from 70° C. to 130° C., and even further such as from 80° C. to 105° C.

The Silicone Elastomer Powder

The silicone elastomer powders useful in this invention comprise particles of a globular or spherical core of cured silicone elastomer particle that, in general, have an average particle diameter from 0.1 μm to 100 μm, wherein the core is coated with a silicone resin e.g., a coating layer formed of a polyorganosilsesquioxane resin, which in general, is present in an amount of from 1 to 500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the core silicone elastomer.

In certain embodiments, the silicone elastomer forming the core particles is a cured diorganopolysiloxane having linear diorganopolysiloxane segments represented by the general formula (II): (R—Si—O)_(a)  (II); wherein each R is, independently from the others, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms exemplified by alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl groups, aryl groups such as phenyl and tolyl groups, alkenyl groups such as vinyl and allyl groups and aralkyl groups such as 2-phenylethyl and 2-phenylpropyl groups as well as those substituted hydrocarbon groups obtained by replacing a part or all of the hydrogen atoms in the above named hydrocarbon groups with substituents including halogen atoms, epoxy group, amino group, mercapto group, (meth)acryloxy group and the like such as chloromethyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups, at least 90% by moles of the groups R being preferably methyl groups, and the subscript a is a positive integer in the range of from 5 to 5000 such as from 10 to 1000.

The coated silicone elastomer particles can be prepared by in situ hydrolysis and condensation reaction of a trialkoxy silane compound in the presence of the cured silicone elastomer particles in an aqueous dispersion so as to form the coating layer of a silicone e.g., polyorganosilsesquioxane, resin on the surface of the silicone elastomer particles. The method of preparation includes admixing an aqueous dispersion of particles of a cured silicone elastomer having an average particle diameter in the range from 0.1 μm to 100 μm with an alkaline compound and a trialkoxy silane compound represented by the general formula (III): R′—Si(OR″)₃  (III); wherein R′ is an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and R″ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, at a temperature not exceeding 60° C., and under agitation. Specific examples of the preparation of such silicone elastomer coated particles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,793. Examples of commercially available silicone elastomer particles coated with polyorganosilsesquioxane are available from Shin-Etsu and include the KSP-100 series, KSP-200 series and KSP-300 series. These are spherical particles of silicone elastomer coated with silicone resin, wherein the silicone elastomer core can be unfunctionalized for the KSP-100 series, functionalized with fluoroalkyl groups for the KSP-200 and functionalized with phenyl groups in the case of the KSP-300. Swelling Agent

Swelling agents useful in the present invention include silicone oils chosen from volatile and non-volatile, linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs) that are liquid at room temperature (e.g., cyclomethicones and dimethicones); polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups which are pendant and/or at the end of the silicone chain, the groups each containing from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; phenylsilicones such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyl trimethylsiloxy diphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenyl methyldiphenyl trisiloxanes and 2-phenylethyl trimethylsiloxysilicates, and fluorinated silicones. Some low-viscosity silicone oils useful in the present invention are linear polysiloxanes consisting (except for the terminal groups) of units of formula (IV): [(R)₂—Si—O] [SPF will insert structure] in which each of the two substituents denoted “R” independently represents a lower alkyl group (having 1 to 6 C). The degree of polymerization (number of repeating units) of these low-viscosity polysiloxanes may range for example from about 3 to 2000. These low-viscosity silicone oils can be prepared according to known methods, or bought commercially: for example series 47 Silbione oil (RHONE POULENC), series 200 oil (DOW CORNING), SF 96 oil (GENERAL ELECTRIC). The terminal groups are, for example, trimethylsilyl, dimethyl hydroxymethylsilyl or vinyl dimethylsilyl groups.

The swelling agent must be cosmetically acceptable. Aside from that criterion, the choice of swelling agent depends on the chemical nature of the silicone elastomer core. For example, silicone elastomer cores having phenyl substituents (e.g., KSP-300) may be used with swelling agents such as a phenyltrimethicone, and cores having fluoro groups (e.g., KSP-200) may be used with agents such as fluorinated silicones. On the other hand, non-functionalized silicone elastomer cores (e.g., KSP-100) may be used with non-functionalized or functionalized swelling agents. Viscosity of the swelling agent generally varies from about 5 to 100,000 cst (centistokes). Agents having a relatively high viscosity will cause relatively slow swelling of the silicone elastomer powder, and agents having low viscosity will generally cause relatively fast swelling of the elastomer powder. More than one swelling agent may be used. In general, the swelling agent is present in the cosmetic composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 90%, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 40% by total weight of the composition. Relative amounts of silicone elastomer powder and swelling agent are determined based on the nature of the cosmetic composition. In general, the swelling agent will cause swelling of the elastomer powder in a range from about 10% of the original volume of the powder, to about 2.5 times or more the original volume (as measured, for example, by visual observation of a phase separation of unabsorbed swelling agent and the silicone elastomer core coated with the resin, in its swollen state).

Liquid Fatty Phase

The at least one liquid fatty phase, in one embodiment, may comprise at least one oil. The at least one oil, for example, may be chosen from polar oils and apolar oils including hydrocarbon-based liquid oils and oily liquids at room temperature. In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention comprise at least one structuring polymer and at least one polar oil. The fatty phase and the nature of the oil are selected to be chemically compatible with the structuring agent.

For a liquid fatty phase structured with an apolar polymer of the hydrocarbon-based type, this fatty phase may contain more than 30%, for example more than 40% by weight, or from 50% to 100% by weight, of at least one liquid apolar, such as hydrocarbon-based, oil, relative to the total weight of the liquid fatty phase.

For example, the at least one polar oil useful in the invention may be chosen from:

-   -   hydrocarbon-based plant oils with a high content of         triglycerides comprising fatty acid esters of glycerol in which         the fatty acids may have varied chain lengths from C₄ to C₂₄,         these chains possibly being chosen from linear and branched, and         saturated and unsaturated chains; these oils are chosen from,         for example, wheat germ oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, karite         butter, castor oil, sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, apricot         oil, soybean oil, cotton oil, alfalfa oil, poppy oil, pumpkin         oil, sesame oil, marrow oil, rapeseed oil, avocado oil, hazelnut         oil, grape seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, evening primrose         oil, millet oil, barley oil, quinoa oil, olive oil, rye oil,         safflower oil, candlenut oil, passion flower oil and musk rose         oil; or alternatively caprylic/capric acid triglycerides such as         those sold by Stearineries Dubois or those sold under the names         Miglyol 810, 812 and 818 by Dynamit Nobel;     -   synthetic oils or esters of formula R₅COOR6 in which R₅ is         chosen from linear and branched fatty acid residues containing         from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and R₆ is chosen from, for example, a         hydrocarbon-based chain containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, on         condition that R₅+R₆≧10, such as, for example, purcellin oil         (cetostearyl octanoate), isononyl isononanoate, C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl         benzoates, isopropyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate,         isostearyl isostearate and alkyl or polyalkyl octanoates,         decanoates or ricinoleates; hydroxylated esters such as         isostearyl lactate and diisostearyl malate; and pentaerythritol         esters;     -   synthetic ethers containing from 10 to 40 carbon atoms;     -   C₈ to C₂₆ fatty alcohols such as oleyl alcohol; and     -   C₈ to C₂₆ fatty acids such as oleic acid, linolenic acid or         linoleic acid.

The at least one apolar oil according to the invention may include a hydrocarbon chosen from linear and branched, volatile and non-volatile hydrocarbons of synthetic and mineral origin, such as volatile liquid paraffins (such as isoparaffins and isododecane) or non-volatile liquid paraffins and derivatives thereof, liquid petrolatum, liquid lanolin, polydecenes, hydrogenated polyisobutene such as Parleam®, and squalane; silicone oils, polydimethylsiloxanes and phenylsilicones that would otherwise not function herein as a swelling agent; and mixtures thereof. The structured oils, for example those structured with polyamides such as those of formula (I) or the polyurethanes or polyureas or polyurea-urethanes, may be, in one embodiment, apolar oils, such as an oil or a mixture of hydrocarbon oils chosen from those of mineral and synthetic origin, chosen from hydrocarbons such as alkanes such as Parleam® oil, isoparaffins including isododecane, and squalane, and mixtures thereof. These oils may, in one embodiment, be combined with at least one phenylsilicone oil.

The liquid fatty phase, in one embodiment, contains at least one non-volatile oil chosen from, for example, hydrocarbon-based oils of mineral, plant and synthetic origin, synthetic esters or ethers, silicone oils and mixtures thereof.

In practice, the total liquid fatty phase may be present, for example, in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 99% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition; further examples include ranges of from about 5.0% to about 95.5%, from about 10% to about 80%, from about 20% to about 75%, and from about 1.0% to about 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

In addition to the liquid fatty phase, the cosmetic composition may also contain an aqueous phase, in which case, the cosmetic composition will be in the form of an emulsion. In these embodiments, the composition will also contain one or more emulsifiers to facilitate formation and stability of an emulsion. Examples of aqueous emulsions include oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions and multiple emulsions such as oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions and water-in-oil-in-water emulsions. However, the compositions of the present invention are not limited to emulsions that contain an aqueous phase. Compositions may also be in the form of an anhydrous emulsion, (e.g., they may contain a polyol such as glycerin and propylene glycol).

Emulsifiers

Examples of organic emulsifiers include any ethoxylated surfactants known in the art such as Polysorbate-20, Laureth-7, Laureth-4, Sepigel® 305 available from SEPPIC and other similar ingredients disclosed in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook Vol. 4 (gth ed. 2002), more particularly the emulsifiers disclosed on pages 2962-2971. Examples of organosilicone emulsifiers include cetyl dimethicone copolyol-polyglyceryl-4-isostearate-hexylaurate (ABILD WE 09) available from Goldschmidt Chemical Corporation, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol (ABIL® EM 90), (ABIL® EM 97), Laurylmethicone Copolyol (5200), Cyclomethicone (and) Dimethicone Copolyol (DC 5225 C and DC 3225 C) available from GE Silicones, Cyclopentasiloxane & Dimethicone Copolyol (GE SF 1528) or any other formulation aids known to persons skilled in the art. Other fatty substances useful as formulation aids include but are not limited to, silicones in esterified or unesterified liquid form or in esterified solid form, such as behenate dimethicone; and non-silicone fatty substances including oils such as vegetable and mineral oil; animal and/or synthetic waxes such as beeswax, paraffin, rice bran wax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax and derivatives thereof; and hydrocarbon gels or bentone type gels, such as Gel SS71, Gel EA2786, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, 38 CE, Gel ISD V or Gel ISD. Other emulsifiers may include sugar derivatives such as alkylpolyglucosides or sugar esters. Also used as emulsifiers include ethoxylated stearates such as polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, or polyglyceryl-10 polyhydroxystearate or PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate.

These substances may be included in the compositions of the present invention to affect properties such as consistency and texture.

Film-Forming Polymer

One or more film-forming polymers may be present in the composition, provided that they are compatible with it (e.g., do not cause phase separation). Appropriate amounts of the film former may be determined by one of skill in the art and can vary considerably based on the application. For example, for cosmetic compositions, the film former may be used in an amount from 0.1% to 20% such as, for example, from 1% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the film-forming silicone resin is chosen from silsesquioxanes and siloxysilicates. Representative examples of such silsesquioxane film formers may include Belsil PMS MK, also referred to as Resin MK, available from Wacker Chemie, KR-220L, KR-242A, or KR-251 available from SHIN-ETSU. Examples of siloxysilicate film formers may include Wacker 803 and 804 available from Wacker Silicones Corporation, G.E. 1170-002 available from General Electric, diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxysilicates, such as SF 1318, available from GE Silicones. High viscosity phenylated silicone such as phenyltrimethicone available as Belsil PDM 1000 may be used as a silicone based film former.

In another embodiment the film former may be a compound obtained by the reaction of silicone moieties with ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The resulting copolymers may be graft or block copolymers comprising at least one backbone and at least one chain, wherein at least one of the at least one backbone and at least one chain is chosen from silicones. In an embodiment, the at least one copolymer is chosen from copolymers comprising at least one polar backbone and at least one non-polar chain and copolymers comprising at least one non-polar backbone and at least one polar chain, wherein at least one of the at least one backbone and at least one chain is chosen from silicones.

In an embodiment, the at least one copolymer is chosen from copolymers comprising a polymer skeleton comprising at least one non-polar, silicone backbone substituted with at least one polar, non-silicone chain and copolymers comprising a polymer skeleton comprising at least one polar, non-silicone backbone substituted with at least one non-polar, silicone chain.

In another embodiment, the at least one copolymer is chosen from copolymers comprising a polymer skeleton comprising at least one polar, silicone backbone substituted with at least one non-polar, non-silicone chain and copolymers comprising a polymer skeleton comprising at least one non-polar, non-silicone backbone substituted with at least one polar, silicone chain.

In an embodiment, the at least one polar chain comprises at least one ester group. In another embodiment, the at least one polar chain comprises at least one ester group and at least one double bond. In another embodiment, the at least one polar, non-silicone backbone is chosen from acrylate polymers, methacrylate polymers, and vinyl polymers.

In another embodiment, the at least one copolymer further comprises at least one hydrocarbon group. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrocarbon group is a terminal hydrocarbon group bonded to the polymer skeleton. In another embodiment, the at least one hydrocarbon group is a pendant hydrocarbon group bonded to the polymer skeleton. In another embodiment, the at least one hydrocarbon group is a terminal hydrocarbon group bonded to at least one chain on the polymer skeleton. In another embodiment, the hydrocarbon group is a pendant hydrocarbon group bonded to at least one chain on the polymer skeleton. Non-limiting examples of the at least one hydrocarbon group include C₅-C₂₅ alkyl groups, optionally substituted, such as C₁₋₈ alkyl groups and C₂₋₂ alkyl groups.

Non-limiting examples of the at least one copolymer include silicone/(meth)acrylate copolymers, such as those as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,061,481, 5,219,560, and 5,262,087. Further non-limiting examples of the at least one copolymer are non-polar silicone copolymers comprising repeating units of at least one polar (meth)acrylate unit and vinyl copolymers grafted with at least one non-polar silicone chain. Non-limiting examples of such copolymers are acrylates/stearyl acrylate/dimethicone acrylates copolymers, such as those commercially available from Shin-Etsu, for example, the product sold under the tradename KP-561, and acrylates/behenyl acrylate/dimethicone acrylates copolymer, such as those commercially available from Shin-Etsu, for example, the product sold under the tradename KP-562.

Another non-limiting example of at least one copolymer suitable for use in the present invention are silicone esters comprising units of formulae (V) and (VI), disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,045,782, 5,334,737, and 4,725,658: R_(a)R^(E) _(b)SiO_([4-(a+b)/2])  (V); and R′_(x)R^(E) _(y)SiO_(1/2)  (VI); wherein

-   -   R and R′, which may be identical or different, are each chosen         from optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups;     -   a and b, which may be identical or different, are each a number         ranging from 0 to 3, with the proviso that the sum of a and b is         a number ranging from 1 to 3,     -   x and y, which may be identical or different, are each a number         ranging from 0 to 3, with the proviso that the sum of x and y is         a number ranging from 1 to 3;     -   R^(E), which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         groups comprising at least one carboxylic ester.         In an embodiment, R^(E) groups are chosen from groups comprising         at least one ester group formed from the reaction of at least         one acid and at least one alcohol. In an embodiment, the at         least one acid comprises at least two carbon atoms. In another         embodiment, the at least one alcohol comprises at least ten         carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of the at least one acid         include branched acids such as isostearic acid, and linear acids         such as behenic acid. Non-limiting examples of the at least one         alcohol include monohydric alcohols and polyhydric alcohols,         such as n-propanol and branched etheralkanols such as         (3,3,3-trimethylolpropoxy)propane.

Further non-limiting examples of the at least one copolymer include liquid siloxy silicates and silicone esters such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,737, such as diisostearoyl trimethylolpropane siloxysilicate and dilauroyl trimethylolpropane siloxy silicate, which are commercially available from General Electric under the tradenames SF 1318 and SF 1312, respectively.

Further non-limiting examples of the at least one copolymer include polymers comprising a backbone chosen from vinyl polymers, methacrylic polymers, and acrylic polymers and at least one chain chosen from pendant siloxane groups and pendant fluorochemical groups. Non-limiting examples of such polymers comprise at least one unit derived from at least one A monomer, at least one unit derived from at least one C monomer, at least one unit derived from D monomers, and, optionally, at least one unit derived from at least one B monomer, wherein:

-   -   A, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         free-radically-polymerizable acrylic esters of at least one         alcohol chosen from 1,1-dihydroperfluoroalkanols,         omega-hydridofluoroalkanols, fluoroalkylsulfonamido alcohols,         cyclic fluoroalkyl alcohols, and fluoroether alcohols, and         analogs of any of the foregoing at least one alcohols, and         free-radically-polymerizable methacrylic esters of at least one         alcohol chosen from 1,1,-dihydroperfluoroalkanols,         omega-hydridofluoroalkanols, fluoroalkylsulfonamido alcohols,         cyclic fluoroalkyl alcohols, and fluoroether alcohols, and         analogs of any of the foregoing at least one alcohols;     -   B, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         reinforcing monomers which are copolymerizable with at least one         A monomer;     -   C, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         monomers represented by formula (VII):         X(Y)_(n)Si(R)_(3-m)Z_(m)  (VII)     -    wherein         -   X is chosen from vinyl groups which are copolymerizable with             at least one A monomer and at least one B monomer,         -   Y is chosen from divalent allylene groups, divalent arylene             groups, divalent alkarylene groups, and divalent aralkylene             groups, wherein the groups comprise from 1 to 30 carbon             atoms, and further wherein the groups optionally further             comprise at least one group chosen from ester groups, amide             groups, urethane groups, and urea groups;         -   n is zero or 1;         -   m is a number ranging from 1 to 3;         -   R, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from             hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl groups, aryl groups, and alkoxy             groups; and         -   Z, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from             monovalent siloxane polymeric groups; and     -   D, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         free-radically-polymerizable acrylate copolymers and         free-radically-polymerizable methacrylate copolymers. Such         polymers and their manufacture are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.         5,209,924 and 4,972,037, and WO 01/32737.

Further non-limiting examples of the at least one copolymer include polymers comprising at least one A monomer, at least one C monomer, and at least one D monomer, wherein A, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from polymerizable acrylic esters of at least one fluoroalkylsulfonamido alcohol and polymerizable methacrylic esters of at least one fluoroalkylsulfonamido alcohol, D, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from methacrylic acid esters of at least one C₁-C₁₂ linear alcohol and methacrylic acid esters of at least one C₁-C₁₂ branched alcohol, and C is as defined above in preceding paragraphs. Such polymers include polymers comprising at least one group represented by formula (VIII):

wherein

-   -   a, b, and c, which may be identical or different, are each a         number ranging from 1 to 100,000; and     -   the terminal groups, which may be identical or different, are         each chosen from C₁-C₂₀ linear alkyl groups, C₃-C₂₀ branched         chain alkyl groups, C₃-C₂₀ aryl groups, C₁-C₂₀ linear alkoxy         groups, and C₃-C₂₀ branched alkoxy groups. Such polymers are         disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,972,037, 5,061,481, 5,209,924,         5,849, 275, and 6,033,650. These polymers may be purchased from         Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company under the tradenames         “Silicone Plus” polymers. For example, poly(isobutyl         methacrylate-co-methyl FOSEA)-g-poly(dimethylsiloxane) is sold         under the tradename SA 70-5 IBMMF.

Other non-limiting examples of the at least one copolymer is silicone/acrylate graft terpolymers, for example, those represented by formula (IX):

wherein

-   -   a, b, and c are present in a weight ratio of 69.9:0.1:30         respectively,     -   R and R¹, which may be identical or different, are each chosen         from hydrogen and C₁-C₆ alkyl groups; and     -   m is a number ranging from 100-150. In an embodiment, m is         chosen to provide a macromer having a molecular weight ranging         from 8,000 to 12,000, such as 10,000. In another embodiment, m         is a number ranging from 124-135, such as 130. Non-limiting         examples of these copolymers are described in WO 01/32727 A1.

In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one copolymer comprises a backbone chosen from vinyl backbones, methacrylic backbones, and acrylic polymeric backbones and further comprises at least one pendant siloxane group. Non-limiting examples of such polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,693,935, 4,981,903 and 4,981,902.

In an embodiment, the at least one copolymer comprises at least one A monomer, at least one C monomer, and, optionally at least one B monomer, wherein the at least one A monomer is chosen from free-radically-polymerizable vinyl monomers, free-radically-polymerizable methacrylate monomers, and free-radically-polymerizable acrylate monomers; the at least one B monomer, if present, is chosen from at least one reinforcing monomer copolymerizable with the at least one A monomer, and the at least one C monomer is chosen from monomers represented by formula (X): X(Y)_(n)Si(R)_(3-m)Z_(m)  (X) wherein:

-   -   X is chosen from vinyl groups which are copolymerizable with the         at least one A monomer and with the at least one B monomer;     -   Y is chosen from divalent groups;     -   n is zero or 1;     -   m is a number ranging from 1 to 3;     -   R, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups, optionally         substituted phenyl groups, and optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀         alkoxy groups; and     -   Z, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         monovalent siloxane polymeric groups. Non-limiting examples of A         monomers include methacrylic acid esters of C₁₋C₁₂ linear         alcohols, methacrylic acid esters of C₁₋C₁₂ of branched         alcohols, styrene monomers, vinyl esters, vinyl chloride         monomers, vinylidene chloride monomers, and acryloyl monomers.         Non-limiting examples of B monomers include acrylic monomers         comprising at least one group chosen from hydroxyl, amino, and         ionic groups, and methacrylic monomers comprising at least one         group chosen from hydroxyl, amino, and ionic groups.         Non-limiting examples of ionic groups include quaternary         ammonium groups, carboxylate salts, and sulfonic acid salts. The         C monomers are as above defined above in preceding paragraphs.

In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one co-polymer is chosen from vinyl-silicone graft copolymers having the following formula and vinyl-silicone block copolymers represented by formula (XI):

wherein

-   -   G₅, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         alkyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, alkoxy groups,         alkylamino groups, fluoroalkyl groups, hydrogen, and -ZSA         groups, wherein     -   A is chosen from vinyl polymeric segments comprising at least         one polymerized free-radically-polymerizable monomer, and     -   Z is chosen from divalent C₁₋C₁₀ alkylene groups, divalent         aralkylene groups, divalent arylene groups, and divalent         alkoxylalkylene groups. In an embodiment Z is chosen from         methylene groups and propylene groups.     -   G₆, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         alkyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, alkoxy groups,         alkylamino groups, fluoroalkyl groups, hydrogen, and -ZSA         groups, as defined above;     -   G₂ comprises A;     -   G₄ comprises A;     -   R₁, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         alkyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, alkoxy groups,         alkylamino groups, fluoroalkyl groups, hydrogen, and hydroxyl.         In one embodiment, R₁ is chosen from C₁₋C₄ alkyl groups, such as         methyl groups, and hydroxyl.     -   R₂, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         divalent C₁₋₁₀ alkylene groups, divalent arylene groups,         divalent aralkylene groups, and divalent alkoxyalkylene groups.         In one embodiment, R₂ is chosen from divalent C₁₋C₃ alkylene         groups and divalent C₇₋C₁₀ aralkylene groups. In another         embodiment, R₂ is chosen from —CH₂— groups and divalent         1,3-propylene groups.     -   R₃, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         alkyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups alkoxy groups,         alkylamino groups, fluoroalkyl groups, hydrogen, and hydroxyl.         In one embodiment, R₃ is chosen from C₁₋C₄ alkyl groups and         hydroxyl. In another embodiment, R₃ is chosen from methyl         groups.     -   R₄, which may be identical or different, are each chosen from         divalent C₁₋C₁₀ alkylene groups, divalent arylene groups,         divalent aralkylene groups, and divalent alkoxyalkylene groups.         In one embodiment, R₄ is chosen from divalent C₁₋C₃ alkylene         groups and divalent C₇₋C₁₀ aralkylene groups. In another         embodiment, R₄ is chosen from divalent —CH₂— groups and divalent         1,3-propylene groups.     -   x is a number ranging from 0 to 3;     -   y is a number greater than or equal to 5. In an embodiment, y         ranges from 10 to 270, and in another embodiment, y ranges from         40 to 270.     -   q is a number ranging from 0 to 3; Non-limiting examples of         these polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,477. A         non-limiting example of such polymers is         poly(dimethylsiloxane)-g-poly(isobutyl methacrylate), which is         commercially available from 3M Company under the tradename VS 70         IBM.

In an embodiment, the at least one copolymer is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the at least one copolymer is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the at least one copolymer according to the present invention may be commercially available, and may come from suppliers in the form of a dilute solution. The amounts of the at least one ccopolymer disclosed herein therefore reflect the weight percent of active material.

Other film forming polymers may also be a other non silicone film formers. These non silicone film formers may be chosen from, for example, polyethylene; vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVP/VA) copolymers such as the Luviskol® VA grades (all ranges) from BASF® Corporation and the PVP/VA series from ISP; acrylic fluorinated emulsion film formers including Foraperle® film formers such as Foraperle® 303 D from Elf Atochem (although Foraperle® may not be appropriate for some cosmetic formulations); GANEX® copolymers such as butylated PVP, PVP/Hexadecene copolymer, PVP/Eicosene copolymer or tricontanyl; Poly(vinylpyrrolidone/diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) or PVP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymers such as Copolymer 845; Resin ACO-5014 (Imidized lB/MA copolymer); other PVP based polymers and copolymers; alkyl cycloalkylacrylate copolymers (See WO 98/42298, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference); Mexomere® film formers and other allyl stearate/vinyl acetate copolymers (allyl stearate/VA copolymers); polyolprepolymers such as PPG-12/SMDI copolymer, polyolprepolymers such as PPG-1 2/SM Dl copolymer, Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-hydro-ω-hydroxy-polymer with 1,1′-methylene-bis-(4-isocyanatocyclohexane) available from Barnet; Avalure™ AC Polymers (Acrylates Copolymer) and Avalure™ UR polymers (Polyurethane Dispersions), available from BFGoodrich.

The film former which also may be used within the framework of the invention includes film formers having any film former chemistry known in the art such as: PVP, acrylates, and urethanes; synthetic polymers of the polycondensate type or free-radical type, or ionic type, polymers of natural origin and mixtures thereof or any other film former known within the practice of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical arts which one skilled in the art may determine to be compatible. Film formers that may be used are also disclosed in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook Vol. 2 (7^(th) ed. 1999), more particularly the emollients disclosed on pages 1636-1638.

Waxes

One or more waxes may be present in the compositions, once again, provided that they are compatible with the composition. As used herein, a “wax” may be any lipophilic fatty compound. Examples of waxes that may be useful in the present invention include waxes of natural origin, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricury wax, Japan wax, cork fiber wax, sugar cane wax, paraffin waxes, lignite wax, microcrystalline waxes, lanolin wax, montan wax and ozokerites, hydrogenated oils such as hydrogenated jojoba oil, jojoba esters, waxes of synthetic origin, such as polyethylene waxes derived from polymerization of ethylene, waxes obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, fatty acid esters and glycerides, and silicone waxes such as derivatives of poly(di)methylsiloxane. In general, the wax is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 15%, and preferably from about 0.1% to about 10% relative to the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

Sunscreens

The cosmetic compositions of this invention may also comprise sunscreens which are chemical absorbers actually absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is well known that chemical absorbers are classified, depending on the type of radiation they protect against, as either UV-A or UV-B absorbers. UV-A absorbers generally absorb radiation in the 320 to 400 nm region of the ultraviolet spectrum. UV-A absorbers include anthranilates, benzophenones, and dibenzoyl methanes. UV-B absorbers generally absorb radiation in the 280 to 320 nm region of the ultraviolet spectrum. UV-B absorbers include p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, camphor derivatives, cinnamates, and salicylates.

Classifying the chemical absorbers generally as UV-A or UV-B absorbers is accepted within the industry. However, a more precise classification is one based upon the chemical properties of the sunscreens. There are eight major classifications of sunscreen chemical properties which are discussed at length in “Sunscreens—Development, Evaluation and Regulatory Aspects,” by N. Shaath et al., 2nd. Edition, pages 269-273, Marcel Dekker, Inc. (1997).

The sunscreens useful in the present invention typically comprise chemical absorbers, but may also comprise physical blockers. Exemplary sunscreens which may be formulated into the compositions of the present invention are chemical absorbers such as p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, anthranilates, benzophenones, camphor derivatives, cinnamic derivatives, dibenzoyl methanes (such as avobenzone also known as Parsol®1789), diphenylacrylate derivatives, salicylic derivatives, triazine derivatives, benzimidazole compounds, bis-benzoazolyl derivatives, methylene bis-(hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole) compounds, the sunscreen polymers and silicones, or mixtures thereof. These are variously described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,463,264, 4,367,390, 5,166,355 and 5,237,071 and in EP 863,145, EP 517,104, EP 570,838, EP 796,851, EP 775,698, EP 878,469, EP 933,376, EP 893,119, EP 669,323, GB 2,303,549, DE 1,972,184 and WO 93/04665. Also exemplary of the sunscreens which may be formulated into the compositions of this invention are physical blockers such as cerium oxides, chromium oxides, cobalt oxides, iron oxides, red petrolatum, silicone-treated titanium dioxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and/or zirconium oxide, or mixtures thereof.

A wide variety of sunscreens is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445 and 5,073,372, and Chapter VIII of Cosmetics and Science and Technology (1957) by Segarin et al., pages 189 et seq.

Sunscreens which may be formulated into the compositions of the instant invention are those selected from among: aminobenzoic acid, amyldimethyl PABA, cinoxate, diethanolamine p-methoxycinnamate, digalloyl trioleate, dioxybenzone, 2-ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate, ethyl 4-bis(hydroxypropyl)aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, homomenthyl salicylate, homosalate, 3-imidazol-4-ylacrylic acid and ethyl ester, methyl anthranilate, octyldimethyl PABA, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and salts, red petrolatum, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, triethanolamine salicylate, N,N, N-trimethyl-4-(2-oxoborn-3-ylidene methyl)anillinium methyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

Sunscreens active in the UV-A and/or UV-B range can also include:

-   -   p-aminobenzoic acid,     -   oxyethylene (25 mol) p-aminobenzoate,     -   2-ethylhexyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate,     -   ethyl N-oxypropylene p-aminobenzoate,     -   glycerol p-aminobenzoate,     -   4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate,     -   2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate,     -   methyl diisopropylcinnamate,     -   isoamyl 4-methoxycinnamate,     -   diethanolamine 4-methoxycinnamate,     -   3-(4′-trimethylammunium)-benzyliden-bornan-2-one methylsulfate,     -   2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,     -   2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonate,     -   2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone,     -   2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone,     -   2,2′-dihydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone,     -   2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone,     -   2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4′-methoxybenzophenone,     -   -(2-oxoborn-3-ylidene)-tolyl-4-sulfonic acid and soluble salts         thereof,     -   3-(4′-sulfo)benzyliden-bornan-2-one and soluble salts thereof,     -   3-(4′-methylbenzylidene)-d,l-camphor,     -   3-benzylidene-d,l-camphor,     -   benzene 1,4-di(3-methylidene-10-camphosulfonic) acid and salts         thereof (the product Mexoryl SX described in U.S. Pat. No.         4,585,597,     -   urocanic acid,     -   2,4,6-tris[p-(2′-ethylhexyl-1′-oxycarbonyl)-anilino]-1,3,5-triazine,     -   2-[(p-(tertiobutylamido)anilino]-4,6-bis-[(p-(2′-ethylhexyl-1′-oxycarbonyl)anilino]-1,3,5-triazine,     -   2,4-bis{[4-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)]-2-hydroxyl-phenyl}-6-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-1,3,5-triazine         (“TINOSORB S” marketed by Ciba),     -   the polymer of N-(2 et         4)-[(2-oxoborn-3-yliden)methyl]benzyl]-acrylamide,     -   1,4-bisbenzimidazolyl-phenylen-3,31,5,51-tetrasulfonic acid and         salts thereof,     -   the benzalmalonate-substituted polyorganosiloxanes,     -   the benzotriazole-substituted polyorganosiloxanes (Drometrizole         Trisiloxane),     -   dispersed         2,2′-methylene-bis-[6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol]         such as that marketed under the trademark MIXXIM BB/100 by         Fairmount Chemical, or micronized in dispersed form thereof such         as that were marketed under the trademark TINOSORB M by Ciba         Specialty Chemicals Corp. (Tarrytown, N.Y.), and     -   solubilized         2,2′-methylene-bis-[6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(methyl)phenol]         such as that marketed under the trademark MIXXIM BB/200 by         Fairmount Chemical.

Typically combinations of one of more of these sunscreens are used.

The dibenzoyl methane derivatives other than avobenzone are described, for example, in FR 2,326,405, FR 2,440,933 and EP 114,607.

Other dibenzoyl methane sunscreens other than avobenzone include (whether singly or in any combination):

-   -   2-methyldibenzoylmethane     -   4-methyldibenzoylmethane     -   4-isopropyldibenzoylmethane     -   4-tert-butyldibenzoylmethane     -   2,4-dimethyldibenzoylmethane     -   2,5-dimethyldibenzoylmethane     -   4,4′-diisopropyldibenzoylmethane     -   4,4′-dimethoxydibenzoylmethane     -   2-methyl-5-isopropyl-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane     -   2-methyl-5-tert-butyl-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane     -   2,4-dimethyl-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane     -   2,6-dimethyl-4-tert-butyl-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane

Additional sunscreens that can be used are described in pages 2954-2955 of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (gth ed. 2002).

Plasticizers

Plasticizers may also be added to the compositions to improve the flexibility and cosmetic properties of the resulting formulation. Plasticizers are materials that soften synthetic polymers. They are frequently required to avoid brittleness and cracking of film formers. One skilled in the art may routinely vary the amount of plasticizer desired based on the properties desired and the application envisaged. Plasticizers useful in the practice of the invention include lecithin, polysorbates, dimethicone copolyol, glycols, citrate esters, glycerin, dimethicone, and other similar ingredients disclosed in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook Vol. 4 (gth ed. 2002), more particularly the plasticizers disclosed on page 2927.

Other Additives

The composition of the present invention may also further comprise at least one suitable (e.g., cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable) additive commonly used in the field concerned chosen from coloring agents (e.g., pigments), antioxidants, essential oils, preserving agents, fragrances, fillers, pasty fatty substances, waxy fatty substances, neutralizing agents, lipo-soluble polymers, and cosmetically active agents and dermatological active agents such as, for example, emollients, moisturizers, vitamins and essential fatty acids. The compositions of the invention may also be optionally thickened with an aqueous-phase thickener or gelled with a gelling agent and/or containing ingredients soluble in water. In embodiments where the cosmetic compositions are colored due to the presence of at least one pigment, the pigment is preferably treated, e.g., with an amino acid. Treated pigments are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,417. For example, pigments treated with silicones are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,082, and pigments treated with amino acids are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,914. Treated pigments are commercially available from U.S. Cosmetics Corp., a distributor of Miyoshi Kasei (Japan) (e.g., pigments treated with a vegetable-derived amino acid such as disodium stearoyl glutamate, aluminum oxide and optionally titanium dioxide).

The invention will be further described by reference to the detailed examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. EXAMPLE 1 Foundation Phase Trade Name INCI Name % w/w A1 Uniclear 100 Polyamide 3.00 Octyldodecanol Octyldodecanol 3.70 Finsolv TN C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate 3.60 Parsol MCX Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4.00 Wickenol 151 Isononyl Isononanoate 7.60 A2 VEGETABLE AMINO Amino acid-treated pigments 12.00 ACID AND ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE TREATED PIGMENTS (AVAILABLE FROM U.S. COSMETICS CORP.) A3 Arlacel P135 PEG-30 2.00 Dipolyhydroxystearate A5 Butylparaben Butylparaben 0.30 Bentone 38 V Disteardimonium Hectorite 1.20 A6 DC 245 Fluid Cyclopentasiloxane 5.00 A7 GANZPEARL MMA Crosspolymer 2.50 GMX-0610 CERIDUST 9205 F PTFE 0.50 ORGASOL 2002 Nylon-12 1.00 CARDRE MICA 8 Mica 1.00 KSP-100 Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone 3.00 Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer A8 PERMETHYL 99A Isododecane 11.00 B Water Water 35.20 1,3-Butylene Butylene Glycol 2.00 Glycol Magnesium Sulfate Magnesium Sulfate 0.60 Methylparaben Methylparaben 0.20 Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol 0.60 Total: 100.00

EXAMPLE 2 Foundation

Ingredient % w/w Phase A Structuring polymer Uniclear 100 5.00 Fatty Alcohol 3.00 Emollient Esters 7.00 PEG-30 Dihydroxystearate: Arlacel P135 2.00 Preservative 0.20 Disteardimonium Hectorite Bentone 38 V 1.40 Phase B Silicone elastomer powder KSP-100 3.60 Dimethicone DC 200 Fluid 10 Cst 8.40 Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, 4.00 Ganzpearl GMX-0610 Phase C Isododecane 16.60 Phase D Water 29.20 Butylene Glycol 3.00 Polyquaternium-10, UCARE Polymer JR 125 0.10 Magnesium Sulfate 0.70 Water soluble preservatives 0.80 Phase E Emollient Ester 5.00 Amino acid treated Pigments 10.00

To make this composition, phase A was heated at the temperature of 80-85° C. for about 15 minutes or until the Uniclear polymer was dissolved, while mixing to achieve uniformity. Phase B was added, while mixing under sheer to achieve good pigment dispersion. Phases C, D, E and F were added sequentially, while mixing. Phase G was then added slowly at a temperature of about 70-75° C. under homogenization, to form an emulsion. This foundation had a silky feel.

EXAMPLE 3 Make-Up as a Water-In-OIL (W/O) Emulsion

Phase Ingredients % W/W A Structuring polymer Uniclear 100 3.00 Octyldodecanol 3.70 C12-C15 Benzoate 3.60 Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4.00 Isononyl Isononanoate 7.60 PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate 2.00 B Amino acid treated pigment 12.0 C Dimethicone DC 200 Fluid 6.00 Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane 3.00 crosspolymer D Butylparaben 0.30 Disteardimonium Hectorite 1.20 E Cyclopentasiloxane 5.00 Isododecane 11.00 F Methyl methacrylate (MMA) Crosspolymer 2.50 PTFE 0.50 Nylon-12 1.00 Mica 1.00 G Water 29.20 Butylene Glycol 2.00 Magnesium Sulfate 0.60 Methylparaben 0.20 Phenoxyethanol 0.60 Total: 100.00

To prepare this composition, phase A was heated at a temperature of 80 to 85° C. for 15 minutes or until the structuring polymer Uniclear was dissolved. Phase B was added and pigment was ground under high sheer to good dispersion. Phases C, D, E and F were added sequentially while mixing. Phase G was added slowly at a temperature of 70 to 75° C. under homogenization to form emulsion. This make up composition had a silky feel.

EXAMPLE 4 Anhydrous Compact Formula

Phase Ingredients % W/W A Structuring polymer Uniclear 100 15.0 Octyldodecanol 10.0 C12-C15 Benzoate 16.0 Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.0 Isononyl Isononanoate 7.0 PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate 2.0 B Pigment 12.0 C Dimethicone DC 200 fluid 12.0 Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane 6.0 crosspolymer D Butylparaben 0.5 Disteardimonium Hectorite 0.5 E MMA Crosspolymer 5.0 PTFE 2.0 Nylon-12 3.0 Mica 3.0

To prepare this composition, phase A was heated at a temperature of 80 to 85° C. for 15 minutes or until the structuring polymer was dissolved. Phase B was added and the pigments were ground under high sheer to good dispersion. Phases C, D and E were added sequentially, while mixing well. The resulting mixture was poured while hot, i.e., at a temperature of 80-85° C. into a compact. The compact had good application, with a silky and cushion feel.

EXAMPLE 5 Pressed Powder

Ingredient % w/w Phase A Talc 54.33 Pigments 8.77 Zinc stearate 4.00 Fillers 9.20 KSP-104 10.00 Silicone elastomer DC 9506 3.00 Phase B Structuring polymer Uniclear 100 0.67 Octyldodecanol 2.33 Preservatives 0.70 Phase C Dimethicone (DC200 10Cst) 7.00

To prepare this composition, add phase A was added in a Teledyne Readco CBM (Containerized batch mixer) and mixed for 10 minutes at 5000 RPM. Phases B and C (pre-blended) were added to the module and blended for 10 minutes at 3,000 RPM. The completed mixture was passed through a grinding unit, followed by pressing at about 1,000 psi. This pressed powder had a cushiony feel and a silky feel upon application.

EXAMPLE 6 Stick

Seq Trade Name INCI Name Grams A1 ELEFAC 1-205 OCTYLDODECYL 22.800 NEOPENTANOATE Wickenol 151 ISONONYL 20.300 ISONONANOATE Pripure 379 SQUALANE 4.000 Phenyltrimethicone Phenyltrimethicone 1.000 Lameform TGI POLYGLYCERYL-3 2.500 DIISOSTEARATE Eutanol G OCTYLDODECANOL 0.100 A2 Uniclear 100 VG ETHYLENEDIAMINE/ 0.100 STEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER A3 Dimethicone Dimethicone 9.200 KSP-100 DIEMETHCONE/VINYL 4.00 DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER B1 (See below) Amino Acid treated 12.000 pigments B2 FILLERS 9.0 C DEAWAX MH 181 Ozokerite 2.500 CIRE DE JOJOBA HYDROGENATED 10.000 JOJOBA OIL HYDROGENEE GRANULES Siliconyl Beeswax Bis-PEG-12 2.500 DIMETHICONE BEESWAX 100.00

Natural Beige (pigments in A3 above) B1 NAI-C47-051-10 TITANIUM DIOXIDE 78.830 (and) DISODIUM (white) STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (and) ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE NAI-C33-8075-10 IRON OXIDES (and) DISODIUM 5.560 (red) STEAROYL GLTAMATE (and) ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE NAI-C33-134-10 IRON OXIDES (and) DISODIUM 2.630 (Black) STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (and) ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE NAI-C33-8073-10 IRON OXIDES (and) DISODIUM 12.880 (yellow) STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (and) ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE NAI-C43-1810-10 ULTRAMARINES 0.100 (and) DISODIUM (blue) STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (and) ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE 100.00

To prepare the stick, the ingredients of A1 (except for the Wickenol 151 and Eutanol G) were mixed together in a main container, followed by adding B1 and B2 along with a dispersant (Sylversone) until good pigment dispersion was achieved. The ingredients of phase A3 were then added using a mixing blade, until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. The Wickenol 151 and Eutanol G were mixed together in a separate container, followed by the addition of phase A2, with heating to 80° C. until the mixture was transparent and free of clumping. The main container was heated to a temperature of 80° C. and the contents of the separate container added thereto, followed by the addition of the ingredients of phase C. The resultant mixture was mixed until homogeneous (completely melted), and the temperature was reduced to 70-75° C. The contents were poured into molds at 70-75° C.

EXAMPLE 7 Intermediate Composition

Trade Name Wt. % Uniclear 100VG 60 KSP-100 15 dimethicone 25

All publications cited in the specification, both patent publications and non-patent publications, are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All these publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A cosmetic composition, comprising: a structuring agent comprising a polymer skeleton having a hydrocarbon-based repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom; a liquid fatty phase; a silicone elastomer powder comprising a silicone elastomer core coated with a silicone resin; and a swelling agent for said powder.
 2. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said structuring agent further comprises at least one fatty chain bonded to said polymer skeleton.
 3. The cosmetic composition of claim 2, wherein said fatty chain is a pendant chain.
 4. The cosmetic composition of claim 2, wherein said fatty chain is a terminal chain.
 5. The cosmetic composition of claim 4, wherein said fatty chain is bonded to said polymer skeleton via an ester group.
 6. The cosmetic composition of claim 2, wherein said structuring agent comprises a plurality of fatty chains, including a terminal fatty chain.
 7. The cosmetic composition of claim 2, wherein said fatty chain is functionalized.
 8. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said polymer skeleton is a polyamide.
 9. The cosmetic composition of claim 8, wherein said structuring agent is chosen from polyamide polymers of formula (I):

wherein: n is an integer which represents the number of amide units such that the number of ester groups present in said at least one polyamide polymer ranges from 10% to 50% of the total number of all ester groups and all amide groups comprised in said at least one polyamide polymer; R¹, which are identical or different, are each chosen from alkyl groups comprising at least 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl groups comprising at least 4 carbon atoms; R², which are identical or different, are each chosen from C₄ to C₄₂ hydrocarbon-based groups with the proviso that at least 50% of all R² are chosen from C₃₀ to C₄₂ hydrocarbon-based groups; R³, which are identical or different, are each chosen from organic groups comprising atoms chosen from carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms, with the proviso that R³ comprises at least 2 carbon atoms; and R⁴, which are identical or different, are each chosen from hydrogen atoms, C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl groups and a direct bond to at least one group chosen from R³ and another R⁴ such that when said at least one group is chosen from another R⁴, the nitrogen atom to which both R³ and R⁴ are bonded forms part of a heterocyclic structure defined in part by R⁴—N—R³, with the proviso that at least 50% of all R⁴ are chosen from hydrogen atoms.
 10. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said swelling agent comprises linear or cyclic polydimethylsiloxane.
 11. The cosmetic composition of claim 10, wherein said polydimethylsiloxane comprises a cyclomethicone.
 12. The cosmetic composition of claim 10, wherein said polydimethylsiloxane comprises a dimethicone.
 13. The cosmetic composition of claim 1 wherein said swelling agent comprises a phenylmethicone.
 14. The cosmetic composition of claim 1 wherein said swelling agent comprises a fluorinated silicone.
 15. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said silicone resin comprises a polyorganosilsesquioxane.
 16. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said silicone elastomer core is unfunctionalized.
 17. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said silicone elastomer core contains pendant functional groups.
 18. The cosmetic composition of claim 17, wherein said functional groups comprise fluoroalkyl groups.
 19. The cosmetic composition of claim 17, wherein said functional groups comprise phenyl groups.
 20. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said structural agent comprises a polyamide bonded to a fatty chain via an ester group, said swelling agent comprises a dimethicone, and said silicone resin comprises a polyorganosilsesquioxane.
 21. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein said liquid fatty phase comprises a polar oil, an apolar oil, or a mixture of said polar and apolar oils.
 22. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, which is in the form of an emulsion.
 23. The cosmetic composition of claim 22, further comprising an aqueous phase.
 24. The cosmetic composition of claim 22, which is anhydrous.
 25. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising a film-forming agent.
 26. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising a wax.
 27. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising a sunscreen agent.
 28. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising an emulsifier.
 29. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising a plasticizer.
 30. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising an additive.
 31. The cosmetic composition of claim 30, wherein the additive comprises a pigment.
 32. The cosmetic composition of claim 31, wherein said pigment is treated.
 33. The cosmetic composition of claim 31, wherein said pigment is treated with an amino acid.
 34. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, which is in the form of a solid, a paste, a gel or a cream.
 35. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, which is in a molded form.
 36. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, which is in the form of a stick or dish.
 37. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, which is in the form of a powder.
 38. A composition useful in the preparation of a cosmetic, comprising: a structuring agent comprising a polymer skeleton comprising a hydrocarbon-based repeating unit containing at least one hetero atom, and a silicone elastomer powder comprising a silicone elastomer core coated with a silicone resin.
 39. The composition of claim 38, wherein said structuring agent further comprises at least one fatty chain bonded to said polymer skeleton.
 40. The composition of claim 39, wherein said fatty chain is a pendant chain.
 41. The composition of claim 39, wherein said fatty chain is a terminal chain.
 42. The composition of claim 41, wherein said fatty chain is bonded to said polymer skeleton via an ester group.
 43. The composition of claim 38, wherein said structuring agent comprises a plurality of fatty chains, including a terminal fatty chain.
 44. The composition of claim 38, wherein said fatty chain is functionalized.
 45. The composition of claim 38, wherein said polymer skeleton is a polyamide.
 46. The composition of claim 45, wherein said structuring agent is chosen from polyamide polymers of formula (I):

wherein: n is an integer which represents the number of amide units such that the number of ester groups present in said at least one polyamide polymer ranges from 10% to 50% of the total number of all ester groups and all amide groups comprised in said at least one polyamide polymer; R¹, which are identical or different, are each chosen from alkyl groups comprising at least 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl groups comprising at least 4 carbon atoms; R², which are identical or different, are each chosen from C₄ to C₄₂ hydrocarbon-based groups with the proviso that at least 50% of all R² are chosen from C₃₀ to C₄₂ hydrocarbon-based groups; R³, which are identical or different, are each chosen from organic groups comprising atoms chosen from carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms, with the proviso that R³ comprises at least 2 carbon atoms; and R⁴, which are identical or different, are each chosen from hydrogen atoms, C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl groups and a direct bond to at least one group chosen from R³ and another R⁴ such that when said at least one group is chosen from another R⁴, the nitrogen atom to which both R³ and R⁴ are bonded forms part of a heterocyclic structure defined in part by R⁴—N—R³, with the proviso that at least 50% of all R⁴ are chosen from hydrogen atoms.
 47. A method for care, make-up or treatment of a keratin material, comprising applying to the keratin material a composition comprising a structuring agent comprising a polymer skeleton having a hydrocarbon-based repeating unit comprising at least one hetero atom; a liquid fatty phase; a silicone elastomer powder comprising a silicone elastomer core coated with a silicone resin; and a swelling agent for the powder.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the keratin material comprises lips.
 49. The method of claim 47, wherein the keratin material comprises skin.
 50. The method of claim 47, wherein the keratin material comprises keratinous fibers.
 51. The method of claim 47, wherein the structural agent comprises a polyamide bonded to a fatty chain via an ester group, the swelling agent comprises a dimethicone, and the silicone resin comprises a polyorganosilsesquioxane.
 52. The method of claim 47, wherein the composition further comprises a liquid phase comprising a liquid fatty phase and a swelling agent. 